Matt's First Triathalon

So...a couple of weeks ago, Matt was talked into doing a sprint triathlon by our friend Mark. He didn't have much time to train for it, but thought it would be a good challenge and a good way to kick-start a new healthy lifestyle! He was a little nervous about the swim, but mostly was just hoping to finish the race. Here are Matt and DJ (also racing) checking out the water. It was a beautiful morning weather-wise!

Ava, Hana, and Mak enjoying a yummy pre-race drink!

Sadie enjoying the whipped cream, then throwing the drink away...

Lola waking up, wondering where in the world we are...

Matt and DJ getting excited

They're in the water somewhere!

Ella let me take one picture of her. She was really into watching the race. I wouldn't be surprised if she did a triathlon someday!

Wondering where daddy is...

The fan club waiting for the dads to come out of the water!

Matt didn't drown! He actually came out smiling!

Lola and Jenny waiting in the transition area...

Here's Matt getting off his bike...ready for the run!

Here's Mark finishing up the race. He came in 4th!

Sadie and Drew enjoying a moment :)

....and Matt finishing the race!!

The girls were definitely proud of their dad!

The boys...happy that it's over!

Sadie had picked some flowers to give Matt when he finished.

Time for a well-deserved yummy pancake breakfast!

They all did a great job! Matt had a lot of fun and is already talking about doing more races. Maybe we'll do one together...we'll see! Thanks Mark for encouraging us to try new things! :)

Sadie's Big Day

Today was a big day for Sadie...her first day of preschool! She's been waiting for this for a LONG time. Here she is eating breakfast for some extra energy...

Looking beautiful in the outfit Mommy picked out...

Wasn't really feeling that outfit...needed to change into something more Sadie-like. The other one matched too well I guess!

Crazy Sadie!

Kissing Daddy good-bye..

Feeling a little nervous...especially about leaving "Binky" in the car.

Nervousness over! School is great! Here she is making her place mat that she'll use for snack time.

Found a cool chair!

....and some really cool books!

Happy to have her friend Lizzie in her class!

Making play dough pancakes...

Paint!!

Sensory table...

And finally....SNACK!

A great first day! Next week she will go without us, but now that she's seen her classroom, she's so excited! She can hardly wait to go back!

1st Day of School!!

Today was an exciting day in the Simmons household!! Marshall started 6th grade, Ella started 3rd, and Ava started Kindergarten! Here are Marshall & Ella posing for the mandatory first day of school shots...both were very tolerant!

They are both getting so grown-up!

Ava woke up early, excited about her first day of kindergarten, but since she's in the afternoon class, she had a long wait until after lunch before it was her turn to go to school.

After Marshall and Ella left, Ava, Sadie, and I tried feeding Lola some applesauce.

She liked it!!! Then we killed some time taking pictures....

Here's Lola in her new Exersaucer!

Ava excited about her new backpack...

A Starbucks date before school...

Then we met Daddy to drop Ava off. We were anticipating tears, but she was so excited and brave!

She stood in line with some of her classmates, waiting for others to arrive.

Then she waved good-bye and walked with her teacher to her class! No tears!

We are proud of all our kids, but especially Ava who is finally conquering some of her separation anxiety! We know it will be a great year for all of us! After school, all the kids were giddy with excitement about their teachers and classes! A great first day!